We all want to look like our most-polished selves, don’t we? And although, sadly, I’m not here to provide you with a week at a spa and an endless allowance at The Row, I am here to bring you a treasure trove of the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street every week. It’s my mission to prove that you can find premium pieces to elevate your wardrobe without the designer price tag and to make it easy for you to pinpoint the items on the high street that are really worth adding to your wardrobe.
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There are some amazing gems out there that your friends won’t believe aren’t designer, but there’s a lot to sift through to find them. That’s where I come in—as a Who What Wear editor, scrolling new-in collections is my hobby, and I can spot an expensive-looking (and -feeling) piece a mile away. I’ll be adding the best bits I find to this list. Some may be more “affordable” than others, but you can be confident every piece is here because I believe it offers great value.
Hopefully this edit helps save you time and money as you build a closet of classic pieces that bring joy and last much longer than just a few seasons. Now to the good part. Keep scrolling to shop.
A beautiful camel coat is a capsule wardrobe essential and this new Arket jacket fits the bill perfectly.
A knitted dress and boots might just be the ultimate transitional outfit.
It’s trench season, people— and Mango has the best offering on the high street. This one comes in sizes from XXS to 4XL.
A great pair of black wide-leg trousers is indispensable in your capsule wardrobe.
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I just bought this jumper and the knit feels so heavy and expensive in real life.
The perfect spring office shoe.
These Mango trousers look like they could be designer with their modern design.
Arket’s striped jumpers are known to be the most *perfect* ones. And since the cream keeps selling out again and again, I’m predicting this brand new navy version won’t hang around for long either.
A camel blazer is such a key capsule wardrobe piece, and I would definitely think this was designer if I hadn’t seen the £35(!) price tag.
There’s nothing more flattering than a tie-waist shirt dress and I particularly love the chic stripes and oversized cuffs on this H&M number that add an expensive touch. A great option for the office with knee-high boots.
If you’re still on the hunt for the ultimate pair of black trousers to wear with everything, allow me to introduce you to these…
The amount of 5* reviews on this beautiful cream coat prove how expensive it both looks and feels. You’ll be grateful for it all spring, too.
This cashmere-mix cardigan is on all the Who What Wear editors’ wish lists, including mine.
Wool jumper dresses are everywhere right now, but if you’re looking for something slightly different to the ribbed body-hugging types, this COS number is a flattering, comfortable and incredibly polished alternative.
Slit hems are still one of the most stylish ways to upgrade your classic black trouser outfits. Wear them with a blazer for work or add a going-out top for evening affairs.
For a seriously special bag that doesn’t have a designer price tag, look no further than COS this season. This minimalist dream can be worn on the shoulder or lengthened as a crossbody.
I just can’t stop with the striped jumper obsession since they manage to make every outfit look polished. I’d wear this one with leggings and ballet flats at the weekend or under a blazer for the office.
I love the rich green khaki shade of this luxe knitted dress for transitioning chicly into spring. I’ll be wearing mine with knee-high boots for extra sass.
I’ve heard some serious fashion insiders, from stylists to influencers raving about how expensive these trousers look and feel on, so I think I’m going to have to invest.
Finding the perfect leather trousers these days is like gold dust, especially on the high street where you can invest in real leather for a more affordable price. Luckily these just arrived and are still in stock… for now.
Coming in at under £20, these slingbacks will make every one of your jeans outfits look polished this spring.
The perfect trench coat doesn’t exi… oh, wait. Well done H&M!
This dress is top of my wish list right now to wear for date nights, birthday celebrations or, you know, just lounging around the house feeling fabulous.
The slightly tapered cut of these & Other Stories best-selling jeans is so premium.
Remember those M&S ballet pumps the whole Who What Wear team couldn’t stop wearing? They’re back with a 2022-ready ankle chain update.
The cream and black tweed versions of this jacket sold out very quickly. I’ve learnt my lessons this time and will be adding this to basket since it’s such a timeless piece.
I am powerless before a really expensive-looking striped jumper. This longline version will be great with slip skirt for spring.
A beautiful knit dress is set to be your spring hero piece. I love the demure cut out on this one.
The perfect knee-high boot to wear with all your skirts and dresses as we transition into spring. They come in black too.
This buttery soft faux-leather skirt could so easily pass for designer.
If, like me, you’ve been searching for the perfect biker jacket for years, you’re in luck. This genuine leather style will only get better with age, and it looks like it could easily have another zero on the end of the price.
I’ve recently fallen in love with a very similar designer style, but for £40 I’m sold on this alternative.
The popular black and white version of this jumper has been sold out for a while now. So thank you, Arket, for bring this updated version into our lives.
The whole Who What Wear team has these in their ASOS basket right now.
A dreamy trench which deconstructs to become a gilet. That’s two chic, office-appropriate coats in one, then.
Leather trousers are a timeless investment if you find the right style; and these COS ones might just be perfect.
Blazers are such an easy option for throwing on in the morning over a thin knit to make your whole outfit look expensive. I love the sleek (and flattering) waist tie detail on this one.
This is one of those throw-on dresses you can always turn to when you’re running late in the mornings. Pair it with knee high boots and a roll neck now, then chunky sandals and a basket come summer.
Does it get more timeless than a navy wool coat?
Arket always does the best-quality shoes. These new-in loafers have gone straight to the top of my wish list.
A twist on a classic black blazer, made from recycled wool.
Mango has knocked it out of the park with this *perfect* trench.
There’s nothing more useful in your wardrobe than a striped knit. This polished style will make every outfit look chicer.
A wardrobe essential.
The perfect transitional jacket.
I want to live in this jumper.
The detailing on this jacket is beautiful.
You’ll get so much wear out of this day-to-night dress.
Dare I say, the perfect wide-leg trousers?
This has made me want a fleece.
I can’t believe this coat is under £200.
Comfy and smart.
The subtle checks elevate this knitted vest.
COS does such good-quality tailoring that’s made to last.
Square toes are a huge 2022 trend. These would look great under the above trousers.
A wardrobe staple.
The best black knitted dress I’ve seen.
This handmade coat feels very luxurious.
An easy-to-wear dress for all seasons.
These buttery faux-leather trousers are going viral.
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